* **hit his breast** - This is a physical expression of great sorrow, and shows this man's repentance and humility.
* **God be merciful to me a sinner** - This could be translated as "God, please have mercy on me even though I am a terrible sinner," or "God please be merciful to me. I am a great sinner."
* **rather than the other** - "rather than the other man" or "instead of the other man" or "and not the other man." This can also be translated as "but the other man was not justified."
* **because everyone who exalts himself...** - With this phrase, Jesus switches from the story to state the general principle that the story illustrates.